Multipurpose fireplace

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a gas burning artificial log fireplace which rotates to conceal the logs and expose a cooking unit wherein the logs are a part of a base assembly which base assembly is designed to rotate into selected positions. A gas burner provides the flame for the artificial logs. A second burner may be placed within the base below the artificial logs to provide an intense cooking flame. An enclosure affixed to the fireplace structure below the logs holds the food for broiling or baking. A solid grill with fins is adapted to be affixed to the base to form an oven with the enclosure. Rotation of the base assembly 180* places the grill upright in the standard grilling position. A rotating basket can be affixed to the base in proximity to the burner for roasting food. The joints for bringing gas to the burners also serve as bearings for the rotating log assembly.

United States Patent 1191 Nelson 1451 Apr. 23, 1974 MULTIPURPOSE FIREPLACE 3,291,116 12/1966 Brooks ..431'/125x Primary'ExaminerP-Edward G. Favors Attorney, Agent, or FirmDominick Nardelli; Edward Dugas [5 7] ABSTRACT The present invention is directed to a gas burning artificial log fireplace which. rotates to conceal the logs and expose a cooking unit wherein the logs are a part of a base assembly which base assembly is designed to rotate into selected positions. A gas burner provides the flame for the artificial logs. A second burner may be placed within the base below the artificial logs to provide an intense cooking flame. An enclosure affixed to the fireplace structure below the logs holds the food for broiling or baking. A solid grill with fins is adapted to be affixed to the base to form an oven with the enclosure. Rotation of the base assembly 180 places the grill upright in the standard grilling position. A rotating basket can be affixed to thgbase in p roximiFyjto thebl irner for roasting foo? ThejJnTs for bringing gas to the burners also serve as bearings .for the rotating log assembly.

12 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures MULTIPURPOSE FIREPLACE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a novel fireplace containing artificial logs having at least one gas burner, which logs and burner are mounted to a base member which membet is rotatable about two pivot points so as to position a cooking area located opposite the artificial logs either in a vertical or a horizontal position. Affixed to the base member is a motor driven rotisserie which can be removed to make way for a grill or griddle. If an open flame is desired for broiling, the griddle is removed. If baking is desired the griddle is used which isolates the open flame. Positioned below the rotatable logs is'an oven chamber, one end of which is louvered, to allow warm air to exit. Inserted in the opposite end of the oven is an air blower which is used to force cool air thru the oven where it is heated and then expelled thru the louvers when the oven is to be used for heating a room. One surface of the griddle that is used with the fireplace is provided with fins to facilitate heat transfer between the cool incoming air and the heat from the burner. A novel means is provided for adjusting the distance of the rotisserie cage from the flame without having to lift the weight of the cage assembly and the food therein.

From the foregoing it can be seen that it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved functioning fireplace;

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fireplace having a decorative side and a cooking side; i

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fireplace with a rotating center; on one side of which is affixed a decorative log arrangement and on the opposite end of which is affixed a functioning cooking section; I

These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent when taken in conjunction with the following description and drawings, which drawings form a part of the present invention and wherein like numbers indicate like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates in sectioned view the rotatable portion of the fireplace shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3a to 3c illustrate the three major operating positions of the fireplace shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a grill which can be used with the fireplace of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates one type of rotational gas joint which may be used with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates in perspective view a volcanic rock tray which can be used with the fireplace of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 concurrently, the rotatable fireplace is provided with a bank of artificial logs 10, the flames for which are provided by a first burner 11 concealed between two of the top logs. A hood 12 covers the area over the logs to take away heat and fumes. A blower motor 15 can be mounted to the hood to provide additional ventilation.

Below the hood 12 is an oven assembly 22. In one end of the oven assembly is a plurality of louvers 20 that could be adjusted. Mounted thru the other end is a blower motor 21 for forcing cold room air thru the oven and out the louvers when room heat is needed.

A second burner 30 provides the heat for the oven. The first burner is fed from a source of gas thru a cutoff valve 17 and piping 16. The second burner is fed from the same source, but thru its own cut-off valve and piping. Although two burners are shown, one could be used but not as effectively because the log burner has to have an air mixture which provides a white flame, while for cooking a blue flame provides maximum heat.

A circular plate 13 is mechanically affixed to a base plate 46 and logs 10. Two projecting tabs 14, project upwards from the side walls 23 of oven assembly22 to provide bearing surfaces about which logs 10 can rotate. Plate 13 has a number of notches 25 cut into its outer periphery for providing a locking surface for a quick lock pawl 18, attached to the side wall 23. A spit drive motor 19 is pivotly mounted on the outside to plate 13 by fastener 59. The motor 19 is used to drive the spit rod 57, it could also be used to drive a wire basket. The other end of rod 57 fits into a selected notch 56 of a support member 55. Member 55 is affixed at one end of the base 46. A notch 58, in plate 13, allows the motor and rod to be adjusted in distance from burner 30 to provide better cooking control. Lock nut 61 locks the motor into the desired position on plate 13. Door 26 serves as a table for supporting the food while going to or from the burner area.

A base 27 can be used to support the entire assembly in a free standing mode, or the oven and hood can be attached directly to a wall. j

The first burner 11 is fed from a gas pipe 16 which jets gas into a cylindrical housing 42. The cylindrical housing isaffixed at its opposite end to burner 11 and to plate 13. The outer surface 44 of the housing 42 forms the other bearing surface, for the surfaces on tabs 14. Air openings 43 are provided in the housing 42 to allow air to be mixed with the gas for proper burning. The second burner 30 is fed with an identical system except that the air openings are adjusted in size to provide a blue flame. A lever arm 45 is affixed to the cylinder 42, and is used to rotate the base member 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2 in conjunction with FIG. 4. The base plate 46 has an opening 34, which opening exposes the lower-burner 30. A griddle 32 having a solid body portion 33 with a smooth surface on one side and a plurality of heat transfer-fins 37 is shown mounted within the opening 34. Stop tabs 35 form a seat for the grill. Locking tabs 36 hold the grill in place.'The grill is designed to be mounted with the fins 37 projecting away from the burner or as is shown in FIG. 2 with the fins 37 inwards. For cooking the fins would project towards the burner. For warming air the fins would project away from the burner.

FIGS. 3a to Sc illustrate the three major positions of the fireplace. In the position of FIG. 3a the lower burner can be used for baking or broiling while the logs are lit and the cooking area concealed. Also this position can be used right after cooking when the bar-becue area is greasy and unsightly but the time is not right for cleaning.

The position shown in FIG. 3b is effective for rotisserie cooking, such as is done with a basket. In the position shown in FIG. 30, the grill may be used for grilling or the spit may be used.

FIG. 5 shows one preferred swivel gas joint comprised of the cylinder 42 closed at one end by a plate 69 having an opening 70 therethru to receive the pipe 16. The pipe slip fits within the opening 70. The valve 17 controls the flow of gas to pipe 16. The gas exits the pipe 16 by means of a nozzle 71. Air is mixed with the gas within the housing.

FIG. 6 illustrates a volcanic rock tray 65, having pieces of volcanic rock 67 held within the tray by means of bars 66. The tray is designed to fit within the opening 34 when the log assembly is in the position shown in FIG. 30. The volcanic rocks, when heated, operate similar to charcoal to enable barbecuing.

While there has been shown what are considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be manifest that many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essential spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, in the annexed claims, to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true scope of the invention.

I claim: 1. An artificial fireplace comprising in combination:

a. a base member;

b. artificial logs affixed to one side ofsaid base member;

c a first gas burner mounted within said artificial logs;

d a second gas burner mounted within said base member below said first gas burner;

e. a pair of pivot means connected to said base member for feeding gas independently to said first and said second gas burners and for providing a pivot axis about which said base member can be rotated so as to position said second burner in a cooking position;

f. a chamber positioned below said base member, said chamber being of sufficient size to receive said artificial logs therein when said base member is rotated into the cooking position; and

g. means for supporting said pivot means on said chamber.

2. The artificial fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising:

a. a solid grill adapted to be mounted to said base member to close off the open flame of said second burner.

3. The artificial fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising:

a. a blower motor affixed thru one wall of said chamber for forcing cool air into said chamber;

b. a plurality of louvers formed in a wall of said chamber to provide an exit for the warmed air.

4. The artificial fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising:

a. a support projecting from said base member in a direction opposite said artificial logs for receiving a rotating rod;

b. a motor affixed to said base member for rotating a rod;

c. a spit rod connectable between said motor and said support for rotating food in front of said second burner.

5. The fireplace according to claim 4 and further comprising:

a. a wire cage adapted to be mounted to said rod for holding food within said cage.

6. The fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising:

a. locking means connected between said base member and a portion of said chamber for locking said base member into a desired position on said chamber.

7. The artificial fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising:

a. a conical shaped hood fixedly connected over said chamber for collecting heat and fumes from said burners.

8. An artificial fireplace comprising in combination:

a. a cooking chamber;

b. a hood affixed above said chamber, said chamber andsaid hood adapted to be mounted to a wall;

0. a base member;

(I. a plurality of artificial logs affixed to one side of said base member;

e. a gas fed burner positioned in said logs to provide a flame; and

f. means for pivotly mounting said base member to said chamber, such that rotation of said base member in one position conceals said artificial logs within said cooking chamber while exposing a cooking flame above said logs and in the opposite position exposes said logs to view above said cooking chamber.

9. The artificial fireplace according to claim 8 and further comprising a second gas burner positioned below the first mentioned burner providing a cooking flame.

10. The artificial fireplace according to claim 9 wherein said means for pivotly mounting said base member to said chamber is comprised of:

a. a pair of hollow cylindrical housings affixed to said opposite ends of said base member along an axis about which said base member pivots;

b. a plurality of air openings defined in said cylindrical housings;

c. a pair of gas pipes having an outside diameter smaller then the diameter of the hollow in said cylindrical housings such that each of said pipes fits in a respective one of said housings to form a bearing surface with said housing; and

d. means for connecting said pair of cylindrical housings one to said first mentioned gas burner and one to said second gas burner.

11. The artificial fireplace according to claim 8 and further comprising:

6 a. a grill adapted to fit onto said base member oppoa. a rotating bracket assembly mounted onto said Said artlficlal logs for heatmg by Sam Second base member opposite said artificial logs for holdurner. 12. The artificial fireplace according to claim 8 and mg food to be cooked by 531d Second burnerfurther comprising: 5 

1. An artificial fireplace comprising in combination: a. a base member; b. artificial logs affixed to one side of said base member; c a first gas burner mounted within said artificial logs; d a second gas burner mounted within said base member below said first gas burner; e. a pair of pivot means connected to said base member for feeding gas independently to said first and said second gas burners and for providing a pivot axis about which said base member can be rotated so as to position said second burner in a cooking position; f. a chamber positioned below said base member, said chamber being of sufficient size to receive said artificial logs therein when said base member is rotated into the cooking position; and g. means for supporting said pivot means on said chamber.
 2. The artificial fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising: a. a solid grill adapted to be mounted to said base member to close off the open flame of said second burner.
 3. The artificial fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising: a. a blower motor affixed thru one wall of said chamber for forcing cool air into said chamber; b. a plurality of louvers formed in a wall of said chamber to provide an exit for the warmed air.
 4. The artificial fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising: a. a support projecting from said base member in a direction opposite said artificial logs for receiving a rotating rod; b. a motor affixed to said base member for rotating a rod; c. a spit rod connectable between said motor and said support for rotating food in front of said second burner.
 5. The fireplace according to claim 4 and further comprising: a. a wire cage adapted to be mounted to said rod for holding food within said cage.
 6. The fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising: a. locking means connected between said base member and a portion of said chamber for locking said base member into a desired position on said chamber.
 7. The artificial fireplace according to claim 1 and further comprising: a. a conical shaped hood fixedly connected over said chamber for collecting heat and fumes from said burners.
 8. An artificial fireplace comprising in combination: a. a cooking Chamber; b. a hood affixed above said chamber, said chamber and said hood adapted to be mounted to a wall; c. a base member; d. a plurality of artificial logs affixed to one side of said base member; e. a gas fed burner positioned in said logs to provide a flame; and f. means for pivotly mounting said base member to said chamber, such that rotation of said base member in one position conceals said artificial logs within said cooking chamber while exposing a cooking flame above said logs and in the opposite position exposes said logs to view above said cooking chamber.
 9. The artificial fireplace according to claim 8 and further comprising a second gas burner positioned below the first mentioned burner providing a cooking flame.
 10. The artificial fireplace according to claim 9 wherein said means for pivotly mounting said base member to said chamber is comprised of: a. a pair of hollow cylindrical housings affixed to said opposite ends of said base member along an axis about which said base member pivots; b. a plurality of air openings defined in said cylindrical housings; c. a pair of gas pipes having an outside diameter smaller then the diameter of the hollow in said cylindrical housings such that each of said pipes fits in a respective one of said housings to form a bearing surface with said housing; and d. means for connecting said pair of cylindrical housings one to said first mentioned gas burner and one to said second gas burner.
 11. The artificial fireplace according to claim 8 and further comprising: a. a grill adapted to fit onto said base member opposite said artificial logs for heating by said second burner.
 12. The artificial fireplace according to claim 8 and further comprising: a. a rotating bracket assembly mounted onto said base member opposite said artificial logs for holding food to be cooked by said second burner. 